Read all about it in the latest edition of The Natir

Ms. Yanez and Mrs. Earley brought St. Rita's Spanish 1 honors classes on a field trip to Pilsen on Wednesday, October 10. They experienced a private, guided tour of Day of the Dead exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art, where they also bought sugar skulls or "calaveras".

The Ritaman then took a walking tour of the neighborhood and saw many murals, ate lunch at "Los Comales", and ended at churro factory for hot churros. It was a cultural and educational field trip all in one!

St. Rita French 4 Honors and Spanish 4 Honors classes were assigned a Famous Person project or "Persona Famosa/Célébrité". Students needed to present in target language (French or Spanish) about the lives of a Spanish or French famous person. Some of these famous people are artists, designers, athletes, writers, politicians, historical figures. Colleen Earley stated, “It was an opportunity to ‘co-teach’ in two different foreign languages. It also gave our students the opportunity to teach one other in a different foreign language.”

Freshman – Juan Fulgencio

The member of the Class of 2022 chosen to be our September Freshman Mustang of the Month is Juan Fulgencio. Juan comes to us from St. Procopius School where he is also a member of the parish community.

Juan is currently a member of the freshman football team and plans to get even more involved as the year goes on with the Paintball Club, Chess Team and Video Games Club. Outside of St. Rita Juan plays chess and assists at his local library with community service projects.

One member of our St. Rita faculty members said of Juan, “Juan is an awesome kid. He has not been here long but he is truly becoming a great Ritaman.”

When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Juan replied, “I really enjoy the school thus far. I love all my classes and teachers.”

Congratulations Juan!!

Sophomore – Mykhai Harris

Representing the Class of 2021 as our September Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Mykhai Harris. Mykhai graduated from Southwood School and is a member of Mars Hills Baptist Church.

Mykhai currently plays football and plans to get even more involved now that he is a sophomore with Basketball, the STEM Club, Paintball Club and Spanish Club.

The following was said of him, “Mykhai is an excellent student in class. He is a serious student, does his work, ask questions, and participates in class discussions. He is a respectful and kind individual who is the kind of guy constantly radiating positive energy.”

When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, he replied, “My time here has been a lot of fun. I hope to have many more laughter filled moments at St. Rita.”

Congratulations Mykhai!!

Junior – Kevin Murphy

Representing the Class of 2020 as our September Junior Mustang of the Month is Kevin Murphy. Kevin is a graduate of St. Symphorosa School and a member of St. Rene Parish.

Kevin is very active with his involvement in Soccer, Swimming, Water Polo, Big Brothers, Scholastic Bowl, French Club and the Knights of Augustine. Kevin also assists with his parishes food drive and currently in the process of applying for the National Honor Society.

In his nomination the following was said of Kevin, “Kevin is a great student. I hear so many wonderful things about him. He is one of the first to always volunteer his time. He quite simply is a really nice young man.”

Kevin spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “My time here has been amazing. I have met some of the best people ever here. I cannot wait for the next couple of years.”

Congratulations Kevin!!

Senior – Raymond O’Neill

The member of the Class of 2019 selected to be our September Senior Mustang of the Month is Raymond O’Neill. Raymond is a graduate of St. Bede the Venerable School and he is also a member of the parish community.

Raymond is involved in numerous activities at St. Rita including Band, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Theater, and the Ritamen Weep Improv Group. Raymond also plays the trumpet at St. Rita’s Monthly St. Rita Novena Masses. Raymond is does not plan to slow down during his senior year, and he even wants to become more active with the Social Justice Club.

One teacher said of Raymond, “Ray has shown tremendous growth in his time at St. Rita. He has proven to be not just a talented student, but a kind, respectful, and energetic one at that. He is a model team player when he is working in a group and a very hard worker.”

Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Raymond said, “My time here at St. Rita has been the greatest experience of my life and I cannot believe I have less than a year left before I have to leave my second home. I have met so many wonderful people that I hope to carry on in my life. A special shout out to the Class of 2019. I love you guys!”

Congratulations Raymond!!

Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class to be the Mustang of the Month. In order for a student to be considered for the Mustang of the Month Award, he must excel or stand out in at least two of the following areas: academics, activities, athletics, spirituality or community service projects or programs. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to what St. Rita of Cascia High School is all about and whose efforts, accomplishments and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed.

Nominations are open to all faculty and staff and final selection is determined by members of Administration and Student Life & Ministry.

St. Rita of Cascia High School has restructured its Administrative Team for the 2018-2019 school year.

Fr. Paul Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D. will continue in his role as Head of School and is joined by Mr. Wes Benak '81 who has been elevated to the role of Dean of Academics in his 25th year at St. Rita, and Mr. Josh Blaszak '02 who, after 11 years of service at St. Rita, has been elevated to the role of Dean of Student Leadership to form St. Rita’s Academic Administration. Mr. Mike Zunica (HON) will remain in his role as President of St. Rita and Ms. Eileen Spulak will remain in her role as Chief Financial Officer to form St. Rita’s Corporate Administration with Fr. Paul.

Working under the Administration will be Director of Facilities, Mr. Gary DeCesare (HON); Director of Discipline, Mr. Andrew DiMarco; Director of Technology, Mr. Paul Harrington; Director of Enrollment Management, Mr. Ed Leiser '04; Director of Guidance, Mrs. Jill Nagel; and Director of Athletics, Mr. Roshawn Russell '08, who will also serve as the Assistant Director of Discipline.

These are just some of the very exciting things happening around St. Rita, which is about to begin its 114th School Year. The St. Rita Dining Hall has been air-conditioned. The Mrozek Family Fitness Center construction will be complete in mid-October and John McNicholas Baseball Clubhouse and the St. Rita Gymnasium renovation are nearing completion. St. Rita has been able to raise close to $6 million through its capital campaign concurrently with an increase in student enrollment. With this momentum, 2018-19 promises to be one of the most exciting academic years in the history of the school.